RP Social Workers celebrate Social Work Week
On June 13-19, social workers nationwide will celebrate the Social Work Week in commemoration of the anniversary of Republic Act 4373 otherwise known as the Social Work Law passed on June 19, 1965. Every time this is celebrated nationwide, the role of Ilonggo social workers is highlighted.
It will be recalled that in 2005, social workers in Western Visayas, led by Rev. Edwin I. Lariza, initiated the move for the declaration of June 13-19 as Social Work Week in the Philippines to give recognition to the role of social workers in nation building. The resolution was endorsed by the Regional Development Council and the Department of Social Welfare and Development.
As a response, almost all of the provinces and major cities in Region VI through respective Sangguniang Panlalawigan/Panglunsod have already declared June 13-19 as Social Work Week in support of such initiative. Eventually, the national association of social workers has endorsed the annual celebration. With that Ilonggos have etched again their mark in the annals of the history of this noble profession.
It will be recalled that among the seven pioneers that formed the first association of social workers in the Philippines, three came from Western Visayas, namely: Josefa Jara Martinez, (mother of former first lady Ming Ramos), Carmen Montinola-Luz (mother of Makati Business Club executive Bill Luz), and Felicidad A. De Silva from Capiz. Martinez will always be remembered as the first and foremost among Filipino social work pioneer. The social worker-senator who authored the RA 4373 Dr. Maria Kalaw-Katigbak reportedly traces her roots from Molo, Iloilo.
The theme for this year's celebration is "Social Work: Making a World of Difference." Under the theme "Social Work: Making a World of Difference," the celebration will highlight the work of social workers in helping people to make positive changes in their lives. It is a common knowledge that social workers are involved with some of the most distressed and vulnerable people in our communities. They require not only compassion and dedication to help those in need but also intellectual and analytical skills and personal commitment. Social work practice is always challenging and can be dangerous. In many situations the safety of social workers is at risk and there have been recent examples of social workers suffering serious injury and death.
This year's celebration in Iloilo will kick off with a motorcade around the city on June 13, 9:00am from the New Provincial Capitol Ground to converge on same venue for the Opening Program.. On June 14, the Department of Social Welfare and Development will sponsor a Social Welfare and Development Forum at Emillion Restaurant. Moreover, a Regional Social Work Camp will be sponsored by the Department of Social Work, Central Philippine University on June 16-17. Highlighting the celebration are two major assemblies to be held at Central Philippine University and New Provincial Capitol on June 18 and June 19, respectively. The Alliance of Social workers, welfare and development advocates for Integrated service and Nationalism (ASIN) will hold a General Assembly and election of officers on June 18, 2:00 pm at the Conference Room 4th floor Alfonso Uy Student Union, CPU. This will be preceded by Seminar on Strengthening the People's participation in local governance at 9:00-12 sponsored by the University Outreach Center, CPU. On June 19, the Philippine Association of Social Workers-Iloilo Chapter (PASWI) will also hold their Annual Assembly and Election of Officers at the 5th floor Conference Room, New Provincial Capitol. Simultaneously, the DSWD will conduct an Info Shop on June 18-19 at the Capitol Lobby.
The celebration is a joint effort of the PASWI, ASIN, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office, City Social Welfare and Development Office, DSWD, Association of Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officers, National Association for Social Work Education. Similar activities will be conducted in respective provinces.